IgAN Journey EP 16 – Managing High Blood Pressure and Emerging Therapies

For many people, uncontrolled or unexplained high blood pressure may be the first sign of IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). That’s because when the filtering capabilities of the kidneys are damaged, as is the case with IgAN, blood pressure can rise. In turn, elevated blood pressure can further damage the kidneys. The two are interconected. In fact, about 9 out of 10 people with chronic kidney disease have high blood pressure.

In this episode, we are joined by expert, Dr. Jan Basile, to discuss how blood pressure management is a necessary and important part of treating IgAN. Dr. Basile explains the kidneys’ pivotal role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance, best strategies for measuring and lowering blood pressure, as well as the promise of newer therapies to help manage IgAN. 

Key topics discussed:

• The connection between blood pressure and the kidneys

Kidney function influences blood pressure regulation and vice versa. Chronic kidney disease can lead to hypertension, while high blood pressure can accelerate kidney damage.

• Importance of taking blood pressure at home

New evidence suggests that outcomes are better for patients who routinely take their blood pressure at home, rather than just at the clinic. Dr. Basile gives tips for how to get an accurate measure.

• Lifestyle modifications to lower blood pressure and also mitigate kidney damage For example, getting to and staying at a healthy weight, dietary changes, limiting sodium, increasing potassium intake, regular exercise, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking.
• Effectively managing IgAN takes a village 

Patients must insist on coordinated care that involves nephrologists, primary care clinicians, and other specialists working together and being responsive to individual patient needs. 

By paying attention to and recording blood pressure numbers overtime, taking blood pressure-lowering medications as prescribed, and making healthy lifestyle changes, patients can feel more in control of their blood pressure, which can help the kidneys too.